Switch construction



Jan. 21, 19 41. P. B. HOYE v SWITCH CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct 30, 1939 5Sheets-Sheet l I [mi/607F05 Peder B. Hgye Jan. 21, 1941. HOYE 2,229,504

SWITCH CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 30, 1959 5 Sheets-Shee t 2 f/vsuumozv E{1U GfTZOf" v Peder B. Hgye @y W v A Mm, M

Jan. 21, 1941. R a H YE 2,229,504

SWITCH CONSTRUCT ION Filed Oct. 30, 193 9 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 [IVSULA T/ONJNSULA /0/v v Pederflflo e 29 mW-M Jan. 21, 1941. P. B. HOYE 2,229,504

SWITCH CONSTRUCTION,

Filed Oct. 50, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet s [IV-SUM r/o/v p: 5i 1 INSULATION 4fnueni or federfl Hgya Patented Jan. 21, 1941 UNITED STATES SWITCHCONSTRUCTION Peder B. Hoye, Maywood, 111., assignor to ElectricalEngineers Equipment 00., Melrose Park, 111., a corporation of IllinoisApplication October 30, 1939, Serial No. 301,899

13 Claims.

My invention relates, generally, to electric switch constructions and ithas particular relation to switches of the disconnecting type for use inelectric power distribution circuits.

The object of my invention, generally stated, is to provide adisconnecting switch construction that shall be simple and efficient inoperation, safe to use, and which can be readily and economicallymanufactured and installed.

An object of my invention is to so arrange the installation in a gangoperated disconnecting switch as to require a minimum of spacing betweenthe terminals.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved frameconstruction for a gang operated disconnecting switch by employing aone-piece panel member as the principal part.

Still another object of my invention is to provide for guiding a movableshelf carrying contact members within the one piece frame constructionby providing guide channels on the inside of the ends of the frame forcooperation with guide members carried by the shelf.

Another object of my invention is to provide a relatively rigid frameconstruction for a disconnecting switch intended for mounting on a panelof insulating material.

A still further object of my invention is to provide for rear connectingof a disconnecting switch arranged for panel mounting.

A still further object of my invention is to provide for mounting themovable contact members of a disconnecting switch on a shelf that itselfis formed of insulating material.

Another object of my invention is to provide a double throwdisconnecting switch for panel mounting in which the movable contactmembers are carried by a shelf that itself is formed of insulatingmaterial.

Other objects of my invention will, in part, be obvious and, in part,appear hereinafter.

My invention, accordingly, is disclosed in the embodiments thereof shownin the accompanying drawings, and it comprises the features ofconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts whichwill be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter set forth, and thescope of the application of which will be indicated in the appendedclaims.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of myinvention, reference may be had to the following detailed descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view, in front elevation, of a gang operated disconnectingswitch having a one-piece frame construction and intended for use oncircuits where the voltage is of the order of 5,000 volts, certain partsbeing broken away in order to more clearly show the details ofconstruction; 5

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 2-2 ofFigure 1;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 3-3 ofFigure 1;

Figure 4 is a view in front elevation of a panel 10 type ofdisconnecting switch adapted for use on circuits the voltage of which isthe order of 600 volts, the upper and lower barriers being shown insection and a movable barrier being omitted in order to more clearlyshow the details of con- 15 struction;

Figure 5 is a view in end elevation of the switch shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 66 ofFigure 4; and

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a double throw type ofdisconnecting switch for panel mounting that is constructed generallyalong the lines shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings.

Referring now particularly to Figures 1, 2, and 25 3 of the drawings, itwill be observed that the reference character It] designates a generallyrectangular frame ID, the cross section of which is generally channelshaped. The frame I0 is formed in one piece by bending a suitable chan-30 nel shaped metal member, the flanges of which are indicated at H,into the desired rectangular shape. In order to do this, portions of theflanges I I are removed at the corners and then, when the frame has beenproperly bent into shape, the abutting edges of the flanges H are weldedtogether as indicated at [2. It is only necessary to complete the weldsalong the abutting edges l2 of both flanges II and to weld the abuttingedges of the flat portions together along one corner in order to providea rigid and relatively inexpensive frame that is comparatively light inweight. At the rear corners apertured lugs [3 are welded to permitmounting the frame I0 and the switch mechanism carried thereby on asuitable supporting structure such as a type frame or a well, as will bereadily understood.

The frame I0 is provided with a top 14 and a bottom l5 that are providedrespectively with aligned apertures l6 and I1, Figure 3.

It will be observed that three inverted cupshaped insulators l8 areprovided having portions 19 projecting downwardly through the openingsIS in the top M of the frame In. The insulators l8 may be formed of anysuitable in- 55 sulating material such as a phenolic condensationproduct. Bolts 20, projecting through a flange integrally formed withthe insulators l3 and through suitable apertures and the apertures it inthe top M serve to hold the insulators !8 in position. Centrally locatedwithin each of the insulators I8 is a rode-like terminal 2! that issecured in position by means of a nut 22. It will be understood thatconnection to the rod-like terminals 2! is provided by means of suitableterminals that may be clamped in position by nuts 23, Figure 1.

With a view to facilitating the application of insulating tape to coverthe projecting portions of the rod-like terminals 2! and the lineterminal attached thereto, the upper ends of the insulators it arereduced, as indicated at 2 1. The tape can then be readily applied tothe exposed metallic connections and extended over the reduced endportions 24, as will be readily understood.

On the underside of the bottom 5 of the frame 10 there are providedthree upright cup-shaped insulators 2'! which are provided with portions28 that extend upwardly through the respective apertures H. Theinsulators 2'! are also provided with flanges E9, spaced from theportions 28 forming therebetween an annular recess 30, Figure 3, thepurpose of which will be presently apparent. Bolts 3! extending throughflanges integrally formed with the insulators 21 and through suitableapertures in the bottom !5 serve to hold the insulators 2! in position.Mounted within each of the insulators 2?, shown in Figure 3, is arodlike terminal 32, which, as shown, extends a substantial distanceinto the frame H] and beyond the upper end of the upwardly extendingportion 28 of the insulator 21. The lower end of each rod-like terminal32 is threaded and is secured in position in its insulator 2! by a nut33. A nut 31, Figure 1, serves to clamp a line terminal thereto. Thelower ends 35 of each of the insulators 2'! is reduced to facilitatetaping as described hereinbefore.

Within the housing It and movable between the top !4 and bottom !5 is ashelf 38 that is preferably formed by Welding end plates 39 across theends of angle members 40. It will be apparent that this will provide arigid generally rectangular frame for receiving thereon three sleeveinsulators 4!. The upper end 42 of each sleeve insulator 4! is taperedand is arranged to telescopically interfit within the correspondinginverted cup-shaped insulator l8 thereabout in the switch closedposition. The lower end 43 of each of the sleeve insulators 4! islikewise tapered and is arranged to telescopically interfit with thecorresponding upright cup-shaped insulator 2'! and to extend into theannular groove 30 in the switch open position. By providing the annulargroove 30 in each of the lower upright cup-shaped insulators 2?, it ispossible to substantially reduce the distance that would otherwise berequired between the top M and bottom !5 of the frame l0. It will beobvious that proper clearance distances must be provided between thelive parts of the switch and the frame and that when voltages of theorder of 5,000 volts and above are employed the provision of the properclearance presents quite a problem. The lower end 43 of each sleeveinsulator 4! must be of suflicient length to overlap the upwardlyextending portion 28 of the corresponding insulator 2'! when the switchis in the closed position. In the switch open position provision must bemade for taking care of the depending portion 43 of each of the sleeveinsulators 4!. At the same time proper creepage distance must bemaintained between the lower rod-like terminals 32 and the frame It. Byproviding the flanged portions 29 on the upright cupshaped insulators 2!and the annular grooves 30 therein, a simple and satisfactory solutionto this problem is provided.

Each of the sleeve insulators 4! is provided with an outwardly extendingflange 44 through which bolts 45 project through suitable apertures inthe angle members 4t for holding the sleeve insulators i! in position inalignment with the corresponding upper and lower insulators l8 and 21,as will be readily understood.

Within each of the sleeve insulators 4! and movable therewith isprovided a sleeve contact member 46, the ends of which arelongitudinally slotted as indicated at 41, Figure 3, to providerelatively flexible contact fingers 48 for engaging the correspondingrod-like terminals 2! and 32. Garter springs t9 surrounding the contactfingers G8 to serve to increase the contact pressure that is otherwiseprovided by the contact fingers 48 alone. It will be understood that thecontact sleeve 46 always remains in engagement with the relatively longrod-like terminal 32 in both the switch open and the switch closedposition. The circuit is closed and opened by engagement of the upperend of the contact sleeve 46 with the respective upper rod-like terminal2!.

The contact sleeve 46 is threaded at 52 intermediate its ends and acollar 53 having a flanged lower end 54 is threaded thereon. A clamp nut55 is threaded on the collar 53, as shown, to clamp the contact sleeve46 in operative position on opposite sides of a flange 56 that extendsin- Wardly from the sleeve insulator 4!.

It will be understood that the upright cupshaped insulators 2'! and thesleeve insulators l! are formed of material similar to that of which theinverted cup-shaped insulators. !8 are formed. As indicatedhereinbefore, this may be a phenolic condensation product.

With a view to operating the shelf 38 from one position to anotherwithin the frame III, the end plates 39 are provided with pins 59through which one end of links iii? are pivoted. The other ends of thelinks 69 are pivoted to pins 6! that are carried by links 62 at one end,the other ends being securely fastened, as by welding, to an operatingshaft 63 which is mounted in bearings 64 that are carried by the ends 65of the frame Hi. An operating arm or handle 66 is secured to one end ofthe operating shaft 63 to permit manual rotation thereof. A springbiased pin 6! cooperates with a pivotally apertured face plate 58 forlocking the operating arm or handle 66 in either of the two extremepositions. Additional locking means are also provided as will bepresently apparent.

The shelf 38 is guided in its movement Within the housing !0, in part,by heads 69 of the pins 59 sliding in guide channels 0 that are secured,as by welding, to the inner surfaces of the ends 65 of the frame HP.Additional guiding action is also provided by the contact sleeves 46 insliding over their respective rod-like terminal members 32.

When the operating arm or handle 66 is rotated to the position shown inFigure l of the drawings, the links fifl-and 82 are rotated to move theshelf 38 and parts carried thereby upwardly. In this switch closedposition the upper'ends of the contact sleeves 46 are in contactengagement with the respective rod-like terminals 2| while the lowerends, as described, remain in contact engagement with the elongatedrod-like terminals 32. Also in this position the upper ends 42 of thesleeve insulators 4I telescope within the inverted cup-shaped insulators'I 8. The links 60 and 62 provide an over-center toggle for, as shown inFigure 2 of the drawings, in the switch closed position, the pin 6!interconnecting the links 60 and 62 is moved to a position that isslightly beyond the line connecting the center of the pin 59 and thecenter of theshaft 63. This over-center toggle arrangement providesadditional means for locking the switch in the closed position. Movementof the links 62 passed the center position is limited by stops II whichmay be formed of suitable metal members secured, as by welding, to theinside of the ends 65. Movement of the shelf 38 downwardly is limited bythe engagement of the outer ends of the links 62 with the upper surfaceof the bottom I5 of the frame I0.

While the switch construction shown in Figures l, 2, and 3 is providedwith three poles for three phase use, it will be apparent that anydesired number of poles may be employed. For example, only two poles maybe provided for single phase use. In some cases it may also be desirableto provide only a single pole switch construction. The only change thatis required for the different numbers of poles, in general, is to changethe length of the frame In and the length of the shelf 38. It will beobvious that the construction shown and described in Figures 1, 2, and 3of the drawings is simple and compact and yet proper clearances andcreepage distances are provided for high voltage circuits.

Referring now particularly to Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings, itwill be observed that a switch construction is there shown that isadapted to be mounted on a panel I5 of suitable insulating material suchas slate, marble or ebony asbestos or other suitable insulatingmaterial. The switch construction shown in these figures is of the threepole type for connection in a three phase circuit operating at arelatively low voltage of the order of 600 volts. For this voltage itwill be appreciated that the clearance and creepage distances are muchless than are required for the high voltage switch construction shownand described in the preceding figures. While the switch constructionshown in Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings is of the three pole type,it will be readily understood that it might be of the two pole type forsingle phase circuit, or, if desired, of the single pole type.

A frame for the switch is provided, in part, by U-shaped strap ironframe members 16 and upper and lower insulator blocks 11 and I8 that arepositioned, as shown, underneath and above the outwardly extending endsof the members I6 and secured in rigid spaced-apart relation by rods I9.When the flat portions of the frame members I6 are secured, as by bolts80, to the panel I5, it will be observed that a rigid frame structurefor the switch is provided by the parts just described. The upper andlower insulator blocks 1! and I8 may be formed of any suitableinsulating material such as ebony asbestos. The rods I9 are threaded attheir ends, as shown, and are secured in position by nuts threadedthereon, as will be readily understood.

As shown more clearly in Figure 6 of the drawings, the upper insulatorblock I1 carries rodlike terminal members 8I which project downwardlyinto recessed apertures 82 on the underside thereof. Nuts 83 serve tohold the terminal members 8I in position. It is desirable to provide forrear connecting the switch. This is effected by the use of rod-liketerminal connectors 84 which extend through suitable apertures in thepanel 15. Discs 85, of suitable insulating material such as a phenoliccondensation product, are threaded onto the terminal rods 84 on the rearside of the panel I5 for holding them in position.

The lower insulator block I8 is likewise provided with rod-liketerminals 88 which extend upwardly through recessed openings 89 on theupper side thereof. rod-like terminals 88 in position. Terminal rods 9|,extending through the panel I5 and held in position, in part, bythreaded insulating discs 92 provide for rear connection to theterminals 88.

It will be understood that the terminals of the line conductors arepositioned on the rearwardly extending terminal connectors 84 and 9| andthat they may be secured thereon by suitable nuts 86 and 93respectively.

Between the upper and lower insulator blocks TI and I8 there is provideda removable insulator block 98 which carries three contact sleeves 91.Contact sleeves 9l' are secured in position by nuts 98 that arethreaded, as shown in Figure 6, on the central portion thereof and aredisposed on opposite sides of inwardly extending flanges 99 integrallyformed with the movable insulator blocks 96. The upper and lower ends ofthe contact sleeves 91 are slotted, as previously described, to providerelatively flexible contact fingers I00 but are further biased by gartersprings IIJI into contact engagement with the rod-like terminals BI and88. It will be understood that the contact sleeve 91 is always incontact engagement with the rod-like terminal 88 and that, on movementof the movable insulator block 96, it is moved into and out ofengagement with the respective rod-like terminals 8|.

The movable insulator block 98 is guided in its movement between theupper and lower insulator blocks I1 and I8 by the rods I9 which projectthrough suitable apertures near the ends which, while they are largeenough to permit the movable insulator block 96 to freely slide, arestill small enough to provide the desired guiding action. At the ends ofthe movable insulator block 98 there are provided generally C-shapedmetal end members I04 that are secured in position by any suitablemeans, such as the transversely extending bolts I 85. Pins I86 extendfrom the end members IM for pivotally mounting one end of links I01, theother ends of which are pivotally mounted on pins I08 extendingtransversely through one end of links I89 that are secured at theirother end to an operating shaft H0. The operating shaft I I8 is mountedin suitable bearings III that are carried by the frame members I6. Anoperating arm or handle II2 is also secured to the operating shaft III]for rocking the same. The links I89 are provided on one side with a bossH3 which is arranged to engage an adjustable stop II4 that is carried bya stepped support member II5 extending from the rear portion of theframe members I6. Also the other side of each of the links I09 isprovided with a boss II6 which is arranged to engage an adjustable stopII! that is carried by a lug II8 extending from the lower arm of theframe member 16.

Nuts 90 serve to hold the When the operating arm handle H2 is moved tothe position shown in Figures 4 and 6 of the drawings, the links ill?and W9, which in effect form a toggle linkage, are moved to such aposition that the pin ti -8 interconnecting the links is moved to aposition which is slightly beyond a line joining the center of the pinm6 and the center of the operating shaft fill. In this position themovable insulator block St has carried the contact sleeves i l intoengagement with the respective rod-like terminals 2!. They are thensecurely locked in this position and will remain there until theoperating arm or handle H2 is rotated to first move the links it? andH39 back past the dead center position, after which further movementwill cause the movable insulator block at to move downwardly carryingwith it the contact sleeves ill to the open circuit position.

It is desirable that the live parts of the switch be covered so thatthere is no likelihood of a person coming in contact with them. For thispurpose barrier plates l2! are secured on opposite sides of the movableinsulator block 96. In the switch closed position it will be observedthat the barrier plates l2l overlap both the upper and the lowerinsulator blocks fl and 78 as shown in Figure 6. In the open circuitposition, as shown in Figure 5, the barrier plates l2l move to positionsslightly below the upper insulator block ll thereby permitting a visualinspection of the air gap that is present between the rod-like terminalsBi and the contact sleeves bl.

For the same purpose insulatirn barriers l22 are provided for coveringthe projecting ends of the rod-like terminals 8i and 2E and the portionsof the terminal connectors 34 and 95 which extend from the front of thepanel '45. They are held in position on the upper and lower insulatorblocks Ti and I8 by any suitable means such as screws N3.

In Figure 7 of the drawings there is shown a three pole double throwswitch construction which is generally similar to that shown in Figures4, 5, and 6 of the drawings. A principal difference, however, resides inthe construction of the contact members carried by the movable insulatorblock 9'6. As shown in Figure '7, the contact members carried by themovable insulator block 9% are provided at their upper ends withrelatively flexible contact fingers that are biased inwardly by gartersprings B27. The low ends are provided with rod-like portions forextending through contact sleeves, not shown, that are carried by thelower insulator block T8. The rod-like portions lZB are provided forengagement with the respective contact sockets I29 which, as shown, areprovided with a plurality of relatively flexible fingers that are biasedinwardly by garter springs lSll. It will be understood that the contactsleeves carried by the lower insulator block '58 are similar inconstruction to the contact sockets Hill, the details of which aregenerally shown. The contact sockets I29 are carried by suitableterminal studs I35 that extend through the panel lb. In the event thatthe contact sockets l29 are employed for grounding the circuit when theswitch is in the open position, then the studs lSl will be commonlyconnected together and to ground.

Since it is obvious that further changes may be made in the aboveconstructions and different embodiments of the invention may be madewithout departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a switch, in combination, a one piece generally rectangular metalframe having an internal channel section with aligned openings in thetop and bottom, inverted cup-shaped insulators carried by said top withportions projecting downwardly therethrough, upright cupshapedinsulators carried by said bottom with portions projecting upwardlytherethrough, a rod-like contact stud carried by each of saidinsulators, a shelf guided for movement within said frame between thetop and bottom thereof, a plurality of sleeve insulators carried by saidshelf and aligned with said insulators above and below for telescopicmovement with respect to the same, a contact sleeve carried by each ofsaid sleeve insulators always in engagement with the corresponding lowercontact stud and movable into and out of engagement with thecorresponding upper contact stud, and means for moving said shelf tomove said contact sleeves into and out of contact engagement with saidupper contact studs.

2. In .a switch, in combination, a one piece generally rectangular metalframe having an internal channel section with aligned openings in thetop and bottom, inverted cup-shaped insulators carried by said top withportions projecting downwardly therethrough, upright cupshapedinsulators carried by said bottom with portions projecting upwardlytherethrough, a rod-like contact stud carried by each of saidinsulators, a guide channel secured to the inside of each end of saidmetal frame and extending vertically thereof, a shelf movable withinsaid frame between the top and bottom thereof, a guide member at eachend of said shelf projecting into and guided by the guide channelthereat, a plurality of sleeve insulators carried by said shelf andaligned with said insulators above and below for telescopic movementwith respect to the same, a contact sleeve carried by each of saidsleeve insulators always in engagement with the corresponding lowercontact stud and movable into and out of engagement with thecorresponding upper contact stud, and means for moving said shelf tomove said contact sleeves into and out of contact engagement with saidupper contact studs.

3. In a switch, in combination, a one piece generally rectangular metalframe having an internal channel section with aligned openings in thetop and bottom, inverted cup-shaped insulators carried by said top withportions projecting downwardly therethrough, upright cupshapedinsulators carried by said bottom with portions projecting upwardlytherethrough, a rod-like contact stud carried by each of saidinsulators, a shelf guided for movement within said frame between thetop and bottom thereof, a plurality of sleeve insulators carried by saidshelf and aligned with said insulators above and below for telescopicmovement with respect to the same, a contact sleeve carried by each ofsaid sleeve insulators always in engagement with the corresponding lowercontact stud and movable into and out of engagement with thecorresponding upper contact stud, an operating shaft rockably mounted onthe ends of said metal frame, a link pivoted to each end of said shelfand to a link secured to each end of said shaft, and an operating armsecured to said shaft for rocking the same to move said shelf andthereby said contact sleeves into and out of contact engagement withsaid upper contact studs.

4. Ina switch, in combination, a one piece generally rectangular metalframe having an internal channel section with aligned openings in thetop and bottom, inverted cup-shaped insulators carried by said top withportions pro- J'ecting downwardly therethrough, upright cupshapedinsulators carried by said bottom with portions projecting upwardlytherethrough, a rod-like contact stud carried by each of saidinsulators, a guide channel secured to the inside of each end of saidmetal frame and extending vertically thereof, a shelf movable withinsaid frame between the top and bottom thereof, a guide member at eachend of said shelf projecting into and guided by the guide channelthereat, a plurality of sleeve insulators carried by said shelf andaligned with said insulators above and below for telescopic movementwith respect to the same, a contact sleeve carried by each of saidsleeve insulators always in engagement with the corresponding lowercontact stud and movable into and out of engagement with thecorresponding upper contact stud, an operating shaft rockably mounted onthe ends of said metal frame, a link pivoted to each end of said shelfon said guide member thereat and to a link secured to each end of saidshaft, and an operating arm secured to said shaft for rocking the sameto move said shelf and thereby said contact sleeves into and out ofcontact engagement with said upper contact studs.

5. In a switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, a pair ofU-shaped support members adapted to be secured to the panel in verticalspaced relation, upper and lower insulator blocks carried by theoutstanding ends of said support members, guide rods extending throughsaid ends of said support members and the ends of said insulator blocksthereat for securing the same in rigid spaced relation, sets of upperand lower stationary contact members carried by said upper and lowerinsulator blocks, an insulator block guided for movement on said guiderods between said upper and lower insulator blocks, contact memberscarried by the movable insulator block always in engagement with one setof said stationary contact members and movable into and out ofengagement with the other set' of stationary contact members, and meansfor moving said movable insulator block to move said contact memberscarried thereby into and out of contact engagement with said other setof stationary contact members.

6. In a switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, a pair ofU-shaped support members adapted to be secured to the panel in verticalspaced relation, upper and lower insulator blocks carried by theoutstanding ends of said support members, guide rods extending throughsaid ends of said support members and the ends of said insulator blocksthereat for securing the same in rigid spaced relation, sets of upperand lower stationary contact members carried by said upper and lowerinsulator blocks, terminals secured to said upper and lower sets ofstationar Contact members and adapted to extend through said panel topermit rear connection to the switch, an insulator block guided formovement on said guide rods between said upper and lower insulatorblocks, contact members carried by the movable insulator block always inengagement with one set of said stationary contact members and movableinto and out of engagement with the other set of stationary contactmembers, and means for moving said movable insulator block to move saidcontact members carried thereby into and out of contact engagement withsaid other set of stationary contact members.

'7. In a switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, a pair ofU-shaped support members adapted to be secured to the panel in verticalspaced relation, upper and lower insulator blocks carried by theoutstanding ends of said support members, guide rods extending throughsaid ends of said support members and the ends of said insulator blocksthereat for securing the same in rigid spaced relation, sets of upperand lower stationary contact members-carried by said upper and lowerinsulator blocks, terminals secured to said upper and lower sets ofstationary contact members and adapted to extend through said panel topermit rear connection to the switch, an insulator block guided formovement on said guide rods between said upper and lower insulatorblocks, contact members carried by the movable insulator block always inengagement with one set of said stationary contact members and movableinto and out of engagement with the other set of stationary contactmembers, insulating barrier means covering substantially all live partsof the switch to prevent accidental contact therewith, and means formoving said movable insulator block to move said contact members carriedthereby into and out of contact engagement with said other set ofstationary contact members.

8. In a switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, a pair ofU-shaped support members adapted to be secured to the panel in verticalspaced relation, upper and lower insulator blocks carried by theoutstanding ends of said support members, guide rods extending-throughsaid ends of said support members and the ends of said insulator blocksthereat for securing the same in rigid spaced relation, sets of upperand lower stationary contact members carried by said upper and lowerinsulator blocks, an insulator block guided for movement on said guiderods between said upper and lower insulator blocks, contact memberscarried by the movable insulator block always in engagement with one setof said stationary contact members and movable into and out ofengagement with the other set of stationary contact members, anoperating shaft rockably mounted on said U-shaped support members, alink pivoted to each end of said movable insulator block and to a linksecured to each end of said shaft, and an operating arm secured to saidshaft for rocking the same to move said movable insulator block and thecontact members carried thereby into and out of contact engagement withsaid other set of stationary contact members.

9. In a switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, a pair ofU-shaped strap iron support members adapted to be secured to the panelin vertical spaced relation, upper and lower in sulator blocksrespectively underneath and upon the outstanding ends of said supportmembers, guide rods extending through said ends of said support membersand the ends of said insulator blocks thereat for securing the same inrigid spaced relation, upper and lower sets of stationary contact studscarried by said upper and lower insulator blocks, an insulator blockguided for movement on said guide rods between said upper and lowerinsulator blocks, contact sleeves carried by said movable insulatorblock always in engagement with said lower set of contact studs andmovable into and out of engagement with said upper set of contact studs,and means for moving said movable insulator block to move said contactsleeves carried thereby into and out of contact engagement with saidupper set of contact studs.

10. In a switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, a pair ofU-shaped strap iron support members adapted to be secured to the panel.in vertical spaced relation, upper and lower insulator blocksrespectively underneath and upon the outstanding ends of said supportmembers, guide rods extending through said'ends of said support membersand the ends of said insulator blocks thereat for securing the same inrigid spaced relation, upper and lower sets of stationary contact studscarried by said upper and lower insulator blocks, terminals secured tosaid upper and lower sets of stationary contact studs and adapted toextend through said panel to permit rear connection to the switch, aninsulator block guided for movement on said guide rods between saidupper and lower insulator blocks, contact sleeves carried by saidmovable insulator block always in engagement with said lower set ofcontact studs and movable into and out of engagement with said upper setof contact studs, and means for moving said movable insulator block tomove said contact sleeves carried thereby into and out of contactengagement with said upper set of contact studs.

11. In a switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, a pair ofU-shaped strap iron support members adapted to be secured to the panelin vertical spaced relation, upper and'lower insulator blocksrespectively underneath and upon 40 the outstanding ends of said supportmembers,

guide rods extending through said ends of said support members and theends of said insulator blocks thereat for securing the same in rigidspaced relation, upper and lower sets of stationary contact studscarried by said upper and lower insulator blocks, .an insulator blockguided for movement on said guide rods between said upper and lowerinsulator blocks, contact sleeves carried by said movable insulatorblock always in engagement with said lower set of contact studs andmovable into and out of engagement with said upper set of contact studs,an operating shaft rockably mounted on said U-shaped support members, alink pivoted to each end of said movable insulator block and to a linksecured to each end of said shaft, and an operating arm secured to saidshaft for rocking the same to move said movable insulator block and thecon tact sleeves carried thereby into and out of contact engagement withsaid upper set of contact studs.

12. In a double throw switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, apair of U-shaped support members adapted to be secured to the panel invertical spaced relation, upper and lower insulator blocks carried bythe outstanding ends of said support members, guide rods extendingthrough said ends of said support members andthe ends of said insulatorblocks thereat for securing the same in rigid spaced relation, a set ofcontact studs carried by said upper insulator block, a set of contactsleeves carried by said lower insulator block, a set of contact sleevesmounted below said lower insulator block and aligned respectively withsaid set of contact sleeves carried thereby, an insulator block guidedfor movement on said guide rods between said upper and lower insulatorblocks, contact members carried by said movable insulator block eachincluding ,a contact sleeve at its upper end for engagement with therespective contact stud carried by said upper insulator block and acontact stud at its lower end always in engagement with the respectivecontact sleeve carried by said lower insulator block and adapted toengage the respective contact sleeve of the set thereof disposed belowsaid lower insulator block, and. means for moving said movable insulatorblock to move said contact members carried thereby into engagement withsaid contact studs in one position and to move them into engagement withsaid contact sleeves below said lower insulator block in the otherposition.

13. In a double throw switch for mounting on a panel, in combination, apair of U-shaped support members adapted to be secured to the panel invertical spaced relation, upper .and lower insulator blocks carried bythe outstanding ends of said support members, guide rods extendingthrough said ends of said support members and the ends of said insulatorblocks thereat for securing the same in rigid spaced relation, a set ofcontact studs carried by said upper insulator block, a set of contactsleeves carried by said lower insulator block, a set of contact sleevesmounted below said lower insulator block and aligned respectively withsaid set of contact sleeves carried thereby, an insulator block guidedfor movement on said guide rods between said upper and lower insulatorblocks, contact members carried by said movable insulator block eachincluding a contact sleeve at its upper end for engagement with therespective contact stud carried by said upper insulator block and acontact stud at its lower end always in engagement with the respectivecontact sleeve carried by said lower insulator block and adapted toengage the respective contact sleeve of the set thereof disposed belowsaid lower insulator block, terminals secured to the stationary contactstuds and sleeves and adapted to extend through said panel to permitrear connection to the switch, and means for moving said movableinsulator block to move said contact members carried thereby intoengagement with said contact studs in one position and to move them intoengagement with said contact sleeves below said lower insulator block inthe other position.

PEDER B. HOYE.

